Olunga: Harambee Stars ready for Ethiopia test
What you need to know:
- The 4pm kick off will be handled by three-time Africa referee of the year Bakary Papa Gassama of Gambia.
- He will be assisted by compatriots Sulayman Sosseh and Abdul Aziz Bollel Jawo as the first and second assistant referees respectively.
Harambee Stars striker Michael Olunga has said they ready to face Ethiopia in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) Group “F” qualifier despite the expected hostile environment at Bahir Dar Stadium on Wednesday.
The Japan-based forward admits they expect a tough outing against the side they lost 2-0 to at the same venue in June 2015 during the 2016 Africa Nations Championship (Chan) qualifiers.
“Everyone in the squad is prepared for the game,” offered Olunga, who has 16 goals in 31 matches for Kenya.
He added: “Ethiopia is a good side and they’ve a huge crowd behind them which is a good factor for them but football is dynamic, its going to be 11 v 11 on the pitch, we will play our level game, minimise our mistakes so that we be efficient upfront.”
Stars, who have pitched camp in Ethiopia since Sunday, are scheduled to travel back tonight in readiness for the return leg on Sunday at Kasarani.
“We are not thinking about Sierra Leone, we are thinking about Kenya v Ethiopia then the rest will follow,” Olunga said.
The Confederation of African Football (Caf) on Tuesday cancelled the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) Group “F” double-header pitting Sierra Leone and Ghana.
The 4pm kick off at Bahir Dar will be handled by three-time Africa referee of the year Bakary Papa Gassama of Gambia.
He will be assisted by compatriots Sulayman Sosseh and Abdul Aziz Bollel Jawo as the first and second assistant referees respectively.
